Menzies House

Why liberals should oppose same-sex marriage

With such a provocative title, many people on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate shall likely be upset, but there should be no apologies for stating the facts, writes Michael Smyth

People have made the comment that Marriage is not exclusively a religious institution, but while this may be technically correct, it is a highly disingenuous statement.  A friend of mine has pointed out that in the old Roman Republic, the State presided over ceremonies, but what he failed to point out - possibly out of genuine ignorance of history and the institution of the Cursus Honorum - is that the ceremonial head of the republic (or in modern political parlance, paramount leader) was an official known as the Pontifex Maximus.  This Pontifex was head of all of the religions within the Roman Republic/Empire, and as such, when Constantine the Great converted to Christianity, Christianity was included in those religions which he presided over as Pontifex Maximus.  This demonstrates that the State only authorised marriages permitted under those religions, not to mention the fact that Roman Law only recognised marriages between male and female Roman citizens.

 

New MP hits out at bossy government

This is an interesting read

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They do protest to much!

Further to Andy's comments about the climate protestors; the following was an exchange on social media this afternoon:

With media reports speculating about a double dissolution, this issue has a long way to go yet! 

Cold Turkey

The Carbon Sense blog touches on "Why and how to Repeal the Carbon Tax".

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Tony Abbott's new direct action sceptics

Interesting view of Direct Action.

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Labor set to bury carbon tax

Interesting Development?

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LABOR 2013: THE AFTERMATH

After what can be aptly described as the most self-destructive episode in the history of the Australian Labor Party – and yes, I say this even considering the splits of 1917, the 1930s, and 1950s – Labor is now electing its new parliamentary leader writes Michael Smyth  

However for the first time in its history it is allowing its rank-and-file members a direct vote. 50% of the vote will be comprised of the caucus, and the other 50% will be comprised of rank-and-file members. The reforms that led to this may be referred to as a parting shot at the ALP, or mischief, by a nihilistic Kevin Rudd, intent on making them pay for his humiliation at the hands of Julia Gillard.

This may also be cynically called for what it is; window dressing designed to shield the fact that the ALP rank-and-file do not have direct preselections, and are still beholden to the factions. It does provide the ALP with a rare chance to return to its roots and begin being a party that stands for something other than professional hacks with little or no real life experience outside a staffer’s office, or the union movement.

Abbott in Indonesia: the adventure begins

Greg Sheridan reviews Tony Abbott's first trip to Indonesia as Prime Minister.

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